Senegalese Maafé (Peanut Stew)

About This Recipe

Maafé (also mafé, groundnut stew) is one of the great dishes of West Africa — a deeply savory, velvety stew made from peanut butter, tomatoes, and slow-braised meat. Common across the region but most associated with Senegal and Mali, it has a richness and depth unlike any other stew. The peanut butter enriches and thickens the sauce while providing a subtle nuttiness that balances the tomato.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• 700 gbeef stewing cuts, cubed
• 1 cupnatural peanut butter (no added sugar)
• 400 mlcanned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsptomato paste
• 1 largeonion, chopped
• 4 clovesgarlic, minced
• 2 mediumcarrots, cut into rounds
• 2 mediumsweet potatoes, cubed
• 200 gcabbage, roughly chopped
• 2 piecesscotch bonnet or habanero pepper
• 2 cubesseasoning/bouillon
• 3 tbspvegetable oil
• 1 literwater

Instructions

1. 1

   Brown the beef

   Heat oil in a large pot. Brown beef pieces in batches over high heat. Remove and set aside.

2. 2

   Build the base

   Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add tomato paste and cook 2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes and cook 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Add peanut butter

   Add peanut butter and water. Stir to combine. Add beef, whole pepper(s), seasoning cubes, and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.

4. 4

   Braise

   Simmer covered for 45 minutes until beef is tender.

5. 5

   Add vegetables and finish

   Add carrots, sweet potatoes, and cabbage. Cook 20 more minutes until vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning. Remove whole peppers before serving. Serve over white rice.

Variations

• •

  Make with chicken instead of beef

• •

  Use lamb for a richer version

• •

  Make vegetarian with chickpeas and extra vegetables

• •

  Vegetarian: swap the protein for roasted king oyster mushrooms, smoked tofu or cooked chickpeas — adjust seasoning slightly upward to compensate.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 5 days. Freezes excellently for 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions